Wednesday, August 13, 2008

-Because of the double header today Lou is considering pitching Jeff or Sean Marshall Sunday because he does not want to pitch Harden on short rest. He also said he would consider pitching Marquis on short rest but is more likely to pitch Jeff or Sean Sunday against the Fish. I think Lou should give the spot start to Samardzija on Sunday because I want to see his stuff over 5+ innings, but that is just me.

- We heard Sheffield name on the Cubs front yesterday and he is expected to clear waivers tomorrow afternoon. It is a chance that the Cubs will let him clear waivers rather than claim him to get a better deal and more time to hammer a trade out.

- Another name the Cubs had interest in at the trading deadline is Raul Ibanez. He was put on waivers along with Jarrod Washburn and both were claimed yesterday. It is possible that the Cubs claimed Ibanez and is working out a deal for the power hitting lefty. This would be interesting move because it is likely Ward would be placed on waivers or released because Ibanez can play 1st and the corner spots. Not to mention he is a better hitter right now than Ward. He will likely cost a decent prospect, I expect like a Donald Veal or Felix Pie could be involved. We should know in 24 hours who claimed Raul.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

With Fukudome's struggles with the bat and their lack of production with Daryl Ward, the Cubs are considering claiming and working out a trade for Gary Sheffield who was placed on waivers today according to a source of mine.

The Cubs had interest in Gary Sheffield 2 years ago and tried to work out a trade with the Yankees but the Tigers ended up getting Sheffield. Gary has been injured quite a bit this year with oblique and shoulder woes but he is still a good hitter despite his .219 avg. and only 10 homers in 278 ABs. Remember Jim took a gamble on guys like Reed Johnson and Jimmy Edmonds and look how they turned out.

If the Cubs did get Sheffield the Tigers would more than likely be responsible for most of the 3.8 million this year and most of the 14 million due to him for 2009. Plus they would have to make a move to make room for Gary. The likely option is to put Howry and/or Ward on waivers or release them.

There is a lot of options for the Cubs to make up for Fukudome's lack of production, this is just another option I guess.